Me Either Monday

Ok bloggy friends, it's time to get original! I saw a "Not Me Monday" on a friend's blog years ago and it turns out she got it from another blog. I want CantClockOut to be totally created by yours truly, so I'm changing Not Me Monday to Me Either Monday. Same idea, but at least I won't feel like a copycat ;) So here we go!

Me Either Monday

Have you ever lost hours of precious sleep lying awake terrified because you were home alone and thought someone was in your house...

Or been too embarrassed to leave your house because you had a sudden outbreak that created a "zit mustache" on your face...

Or gave your kid a skittle for peeing on the potty, only to have him try to stick it in his butt??

...Yea, me either!

Please share yours in the comment section! We all love to laugh so don't be shy!

Nothin' Fancy Friday: Papi's Playhouse

My Dad has a lot of time, tools, and creativity.  Hence, he built Ben an awesome "playhouse!" I had to share it with you all - even though it isn't finished yet, I thought it was pretty cool!  The most impressive part is that he did it entirely from scratch!

Here is the "entrance" to the playhouse.  

 Inside the door is a sandbox! 

When you need a break from playing, you can relax on the bench and have a snack at one of the two mini tables!

 Inside, just above the sandbox, is a secret cubby!  What kid wouldn't love that??

 My dad's neighbor's kids had outgrown their swing set so he offered the parts up to my dad.  He reconfigured it and used some swings and the slide, and repurposed a lot of the wood.

We can't forget about the sliding windows and the ball track in the sandbox! You put a ping pong ball or golf ball in the small hole on the left, watch it roll down the chute through the plastic window and it pops out of the pipe at the bottom! 

It has already gotten lots of use!  Thanks, Dad!!! =D

I hope you are outside enjoying the summer! 

Have a great weekend!

Just A Thought... Thursday

Thad, you might want to work on those casting skills. I already know you are a great catch! Just a thought...

hahahahahahaha 

I love corny jokes! =D

Toddler Tip Tuesday: Shopping With Tots

Shopping without kids is without a doubt much more peaceful, pleasant, and productive.  Here are a few tips for those times when you have no choice but to take your tot(s) along for the ride:

 1. Plan ahead! Make a list and try your best to stick to it. Knowing the layout of the store and putting your list in order is a huge help!

2. Don't expect your toddler to last beyond two stops (i.e. bank, grocery store, department store, etc). I read that somewhere...

3.  What is one of the most helpful "tricks" when it comes to parenting?  One word: DISTRACTION. It's become an art form, really.  I always get Ben an apple when we grocery shop.  It keeps him occupied and he gets a healthy snack! I make sure I grab a produce bag to throw it in when it's time to checkout.  My friend, Jess Wehner, gives her kiddo popcorn to snack on while she shops.

4.  Let the kids help.  Ben loves putting things in the cart, opening the frozen food doors, and putting things onto the checkout belt.

5. Try to go right after or long before a nap is due.  After breakfast is the best time for us.

Need a little more encouragement?  Just think - I know bringing my kids to the store can be a good thing because I don't have the luxury of just "looking around" - and for me, that translates to saving money! haha

Happy Shopping, Friends!

Just A Thought Thursday

Hey Ben, you might want to reconsider your "hugging" technique - it strongly resembles a headlock.  

Just a thought.

Feel free to leave your own 'just a thought' on this photo in the comment section below!

Wisdom Wednesday: I Was Going To...

I Was Going To...
    By Sarah Nurmi

I was going to teach until retirement... but my kids took priority.

I was going to stay out late with friends...but my kids took priority.

I was going to scrapbook and make cards last night... but my kids took priority.

I was going to have a guest room... but my kids took priority.

I was going to get ALL the laundry done in one day... but my kids took priority.

I was going to buy some new clothes...but my kids took priority.

I was going to go on an evening run... but my kids took priority.

I was going to take a shower...but my kids took priority.

I was going to be a self-seeking, self-interested, egocentric ME ME ME... but my kids took priority.



Thank you, Benjamin Eero & Gianna Brooklyn for teaching me what it truly means to love others more than you love yourself.

Toddler Tip Tuesday: Why Didn't I Think of That??

I came across Today's Toddler Tip in Parents Magazine:  

Juice box in a cup.

It has all the fun & excitement of a juice box, yet eliminates the mess that little squeeze-happy hands make! 

Yay for simple, easy fixes!